Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Speaking of the Windbreaker Horses, these beautiful and elegant animal pets activate their passive skill "Treading on Wind" when they reach high speeds.

This doesn't mean that Windbreaker Horses can levitate by stepping on their own hooves.

The skill only lifts them a few centimeters off the ground in an almost imperceptible manner.

However, it significantly increases their speed.

Especially when traveling with the wind, their maximum speed is about one-third faster than when traveling against it.

This is already quite an astonishing ability.

After all, the "Treading on Wind" skill can be activated almost anywhere outdoors with virtually no specific requirements, making it a highly practical skill.

Even without wind, the slight breeze generated by their running can activate this skill, creating a positive feedback loop.

Well, to some extent, this might be considered a prototype of a perpetual motion machine.

Moreover, under such circumstances, Windbreaker Horses generate a thin "Wind Barrier" that envelops their entire body.

This ensures that at extreme speeds, their body temperature does not drop, preventing them from freezing during winter runs.

Additionally, this allows objects in contact with their bodies, as long as they are not larger than the horse itself, to share the "Wind Barrier."

For example, right now, Lorant could see a faint blue light membrane covering his body.

Protected by this barrier, Lorant did not feel the stinging wind on his face as he had when riding the Crystal Ice Flame Dog's sled without any protection.

It was like sitting in a car with slightly open windows, feeling the swift movement and occasional gentle breeze.

But the harsh winds were completely blocked out.

Lorant couldn't help but glance at the device on his arm, which would likely soon be retired.

Ignoring the knights following behind him with sorrowful gazes because they couldn't ride the horses, Lorant, Stephanie, and Estelle, who were the first to experience the Windbreaker Horses, sped down the main road leading to the outpost.

In a friendly race, they arrived at the camp in front of the outpost in just about ten minutes.

The adventurer camp had been bustling for days. Lorant hadn't come for a day, yet the streets lined with countless stalls had expanded significantly beyond the town's edge.

Not only had the market along the main road extended further, but the adventurers had also opened a new street closer to the town.

With two parallel streets, the number of people had not decreased at all.

Tents of mages and priests had increased, indicating the arrival of many new adventurers.

Lorant pulled on Little Black's reins, slowing it down to a gentle walk to avoid bumping into people around.

The reins for the Windbreaker Horses were improvised by Lorant last night using the harness from the Crystal Ice Flame Dog.

Although the reins looked different from what Lorant remembered, they worked fine for the time being.

After all, the Windbreaker Horses themselves didn't resist the harness and showed no discomfort after being fitted with it.

The only one protesting was Little Eight, who kept humming and trying to rub its soft fur against Lorant to reclaim its harness.

Unfortunately, the heartless Lorant modified Little Eight's harness and ignored its sad eyes as he put it on the Windbreaker Horse.

Of course, Little Eight's sadness quickly vanished after Lorant secretly fed it two large strips of jerky and promised to get it a brand-new harness with a bone symbol in a couple of days.

The dog quickly forgot its distress and wagged its tail, rolling over to show its belly to the culprit.

Dogs don't hold grudges!

While subconsciously stroking the reins, Lorant thought about finding an experienced leatherworker to make custom harnesses for the Animal Pet Shop.

Especially for the Windbreaker Horses, there was an urgent need to create a well-designed set of reins.

Otherwise, it would be awkward if the Windbreaker Horses were sold without accompanying accessories.

How could he miss out on earning those adorable customers' gold coins?

Ah, speaking of which, the crystal bottles at that stall look really nice! Shouldn't he buy a batch to use in the Animal Pet Shop for pet bath products?

Lorant's thoughts wandered as he let the Windbreaker Horse carry him forward.

Little Black, walking on the main road of the adventurer camp, was seeing so many bipedal creatures for the first time since birth. The bustling crowd and colorful tents along the roadside piqued its curiosity, causing it to turn its head left and right, just like Lorant, lost in thought.

The adventurers passing by initially paid little attention to Lorant and his companions.

After all, while having a mount usually indicated a high-ranking knight, which was rare, in a place like the current outpost filled with professionals, a Fifth-level Knight wasn't particularly noteworthy, and most people wouldn't give them much attention.

At most, they would glance briefly to see what the show-off looked like before returning to their own business.

Wasn't it more interesting to play with magical items or examine the half-true exotic amulets?

When adventurers saw a mounted rider approaching, they reflexively looked up and then moved aside.

But that quick glance made the adventurer sense something odd and look up again sharply.

Little Black, mirroring Lorant's movements, turned its head to look at a potion stall displaying a row of crystal bottles. The stall owner had just opened a potion and was engaging in a heated negotiation with a customer.

What caught their attention was the pink potion, which emitted a pleasant melody as the stall owner held it.

Seeing the final price of twenty gold coins, Lorant turned back contentedly, only to find Little Black also curiously observing the scene.

Lorant reached out and gently patted Little Black's neck to catch the curious little creature's attention.

When Little Black turned its head, Lorant whispered a gentle reprimand.

"Little Black, you can't be so distracted while walking, you know? If you don't watch where you're going, you might bump into someone or trip yourself, which wouldn't be good!" Lorant earnestly lectured the one-day-old foal.

Little Black lowered its eyes, letting out a disgruntled snort through its nose. The scolded horse swished its tail in disappointment and then focused on the road ahead, continuing to walk.

The main road was bustling with people, and the sight of riders naturally drew attention. Many passersby noticed Lorant and Little Black's interaction.

"Wow, Taya, I think you're right. I really need to go back and get some sleep. This is crazy!" Mike, carrying a long sword on his back, rubbed his eyes and said to the woman beside him, who held a short staff: "I must be seeing things!"

However, the woman did not respond.

Mike couldn't help but nudge her with his elbow. "What's wrong? Are you tired too? That's odd, you just got here..."

"Shut up, Mike." The woman with the short staff nearly stumbled from the 'gentle' nudge, steadied herself, and gave him two elbow jabs.

"Oof!" Mike innocently rubbed his arm, though he felt nothing. He still had to act hurt, or Taya might use a fire-infused elbow next time.

Growing up, Mike had been burned many times by Taya and had learned his lesson well.

The woman sighed, exasperated at her less-than-bright brother. "If your hallucination refers to that strange mount, I think you can still fight for a long time."

"No, you're not making sense. I've been here for fourteen hours, and it was you who told me to go to sleep earlier. Now you're telling me to stay!" Mike complained, only to receive a glare from his sister.

Taya pointed ahead. "What I mean is, maybe you're not hallucinating at all?"

Mike followed Taya's finger and saw not just the seemingly sentient mount from before but also two more similar-looking mounts with ethereal manes trailing behind it.

Though subtle, these three mounts were clearly different from ordinary ones. Even from their backs, Taya could sense their emotions.

The first beast was curious about everything around it, the second seemed nervous and walked cautiously as if intimidated by its surroundings, and the third appeared more excited, constantly kicking its hooves and swishing its tail.

Taya, as if entranced, followed them without hesitation, her gaze fixed on the mounts ahead.

She had never felt such unique emotions from beasts or mounts before. It was as if they were a new kind of creature, one...

with greater intelligence.

Seeing the unusual behavior of these mounts, Taya had a strong feeling that she would regret not following them.

"Taya! Taya! What do you mean? Where are you going? Hey!" Mike called out, but seeing that Taya wasn't responding, he sighed and chased after her.

His sister always caused him worry.

Many adventurers, like Taya, noticed the anomaly and rubbed their eyes, doubting both their vision and their understanding of the world. Some of them, questioning their worldview, followed the trio.

Due to the crowd, Lorant didn't notice the followers behind him.

Stephanie and Estelle did notice the adventurers following them but paid no mind. When they chose to ride the Windbreaker horses today, they expected to be watched along the way.

Lorant arrived at the entrance of the Church of the Goddess of Light camp. Yesterday, although he hadn't come, Silem was still sitting at the camp gate collecting deposits under their protection.

The clerics, though not explicitly offering to help, often sat nearby during their breaks, casting sharp glances at Silem's location, serving as a deterrent to restless adventurers.

The off-duty young priests occasionally came over to assist Silem.

Over the past two days, the priest camp had indeed shown considerable kindness to the Animal Pet Shop in various ways.

Whether this was due to Archbishop Frank's prior arrangements or the genuine kindness of the priestesses, Lorant appreciated the gesture.

When the time came, the Animal Pet Shop would return the favor.

Lorant stopped at the entrance of the church camp and tried to dismount under the watchful gaze of two bald men.

But Little Black, being nearly two meters tall, made it challenging for the novice rider Lorant.

Embarrassed, he turned to see Stephanie and Estelle dismounting gracefully and effortlessly, hesitating to ask for help.

Just as he considered asking the ladies for assistance, a figure appeared beside him.

"Lancelot!" Lorant exclaimed, surprised to see Lancelot extending a hand. "How did you get here so fast? We rode all the way here!"

Seeing Lancelot's gesture, Little Black nuzzled his hand affectionately and snorted happily.

Lancelot patted the affectionate horse, pleased by Lorant's surprise. "Don't underestimate me. I'm a seventh-level knight. You weren't riding at full speed; how could I not catch up?"

Lorant blinked, feeling something odd about Lancelot's speech, unsure if it was just his imagination.

Or perhaps, this was the noble class's different grammar?

"Come on, get down," Lancelot said, not giving Lorant much time to think. After calming Little Black, he extended his hand again.

Lorant grabbed Lancelot's hand, trying to dismount gracefully.

The action looked simple and elegant but required core strength.

Lacking experience and strength, Lorant struggled and failed several times.

Lancelot remained patient, supporting Lorant and enjoying his increasingly flustered face, a rare sight for the usually composed young man.

"Lancelot..." After multiple attempts, Lorant finally sought help. "Help me down."

"Hmm." Lancelot chuckled softly, opening his arms to Lorant.

"Don't worry, hold onto my shoulder and lean down."

Lorant instinctively glanced around, saw no one watching him, and then reached out to support Lancelot's shoulder.

Today, the knight wasn't wearing his armor. When Lorant placed his hand on Lancelot, he could feel the warmth of the sweater Lancelot was wearing.

Lancelot stood still like a wooden stake, waiting for Lorant to carefully lean over.

Lorant draped half of his body onto Lancelot, but due to the position, he couldn't see the peculiar and deep look in Lancelot's eyes.

"Lan..." Lorant had initially thought he could climb down himself, but halfway through, he realized he had overestimated himself.

Now, his upper body was in Lancelot's arms, while his lower half was still firmly seated on the horse, unable to move.

Before he could speak, Lancelot chuckled softly, reached out to hold Lorant's waist that was hanging in mid-air, leaped lightly, took two steps back, and slid Lorant down along the curve of the horse's body.

The sudden action startled Lorant, causing him to grip Lancelot's shoulders tightly as he was carried down.

Like a weak maiden.

Lorant stayed in Lancelot's arms for a moment, and Lancelot didn't move either. Eventually, Lorant felt disgusted by his own thoughts and pushed the knight away.

"Hmm..." Lorant looked at Lancelot, lost in thought.

Lancelot's heart suddenly started racing, and countless reasons to explain his actions flooded his mind.

When he did it, he was bold, even hearing a voice in his head screaming at him to follow his heart.

What's the big deal about holding someone's waist?

Just...

"It seems I need to get some riding equipment for the Windbreaker Horse." Lorant counted seriously on his fingers: "A saddle, stirrups, reins—all must be included!"

This riding experience wasn't pleasant. In this world, those with mounts were all high-ranking knights.

They were tough men who could run three kilometers barefoot on gravel roads. As their combat and transportation tools, mounts didn't need any additional comfort features.

In fact, if spiked iron fences could run faster than mounts...

So until now, saddles existed only in Lorant's mind; they couldn't be found in this world.

Lancelot stiffened, feeling foolish for being so nervous earlier.

Seeing Lorant's probing gaze, the knight quickly nodded in agreement: "Yes, we need them all." Though he had been completely distracted and didn't know what Lorant was saying.

Lorant pouted: "Don't take it lightly. You professionals don't care, but ordinary people would rub their legs raw after just a short ride..." His voice grew softer as he muttered under his breath.

While on the horse, it wasn't obvious, but once he got off, Lorant felt a burning pain on the inside of his thighs. He knew exactly what had happened.

It was just a bit of rubbing from a short ride, and he could endure it!

Tying the Windbreaker Horse inside the priest's camp, the two walked out.

Upon reaching the entrance, Lorant was shocked by the crowd gathered there.

Stephanie and Estelle were surrounded, and if not for the help of two kind-hearted bald men, these two non-combat professionals might have been swallowed up by the crowd.

Or perhaps before being squished, the agitated adventurers might have been forced by an angry Stephanie to perform a group tap dance at the entrance of the priest's camp.

"Everyone, don't push! Stay calm, form a line! One at a time!" Stephanie shouted forcefully.

But the crowd showed no signs of dispersing, and Stephanie gritted her teeth in frustration.

She pulled out a small metal chip from her waist pouch, held it in her hand, and began murmuring complex incantations.

With her movements, a bright flash suddenly burst forth from her raised fingertips.

The next second, a common spell 'Flash' exploded among the crowd.

With the intense light, the entire world fell silent for a moment.

"We will answer everyone's questions!" Stephanie seized the opportunity to shout loudly, smiling satisfactorily at the blinded crowd, her radiant face glowing: "In half an hour, we will officially address everyone's concerns outside the priest's camp."

"Those who wish to purchase the Crystal Ice Flame Dogs can continue to pay the deposit today!"

"Now, please disperse!"

Lorant, following behind Lancelot, was taken aback by the scene.

What is going on here? Are they trying to buy pets or cause a riot?

He, the store owner, had seen many things, but never this!

"It seems the Windbreaker Horse is quite attractive to everyone," Lancelot said with a light laugh. "Our goal for today has been achieved."

From the moment Lorant said he wanted to come to the outpost and try the Windbreaker Horse, Lancelot understood the cunning little guy's plan.

Sure enough, today Lorant paraded through the streets, successfully drawing everyone's attention to the Windbreaker Horse.

Effectively advertising the new pet from the Animal Pet Shop among the adventurers.

Lorant shook his head: "I've only achieved half of my goal. These adventurers will indeed spread the word, and by tonight, the entire camp and neighboring outposts should know about the Windbreaker Horse."

"But these people aren't my major clients."

Or rather, they aren't major clients yet.

The number of scattered adventurers far exceeds that of organized professionals, and in the future, they will be the Animal Pet Shop's largest potential customer base.

However, at present, the revenue from these scattered adventurers is far less than that from large organizations, which are currently the more desirable customers for the Animal Pet Shop.

Lancelot raised an eyebrow and suddenly turned to look in the direction of the outpost: "It seems your big clients can't sit still anymore."